The RSV delay exposing NZ’s child health gap episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 12, 2026 · 29 MIN

The RSV delay exposing NZ’s child health gap

from The Front Page · host NZ Herald

A leading paediatrician is warning more New Zealand babies will end up in hospital this winter while a treatment that could prevent many RSV cases remains unavailable. The breakthrough antibody injection is already being used in countries like Australia, the UK and the US, but here it's still awaiting approval and funding decisions. The delay has reignited questions about how we prioritise child health and whether New Zealand is moving quickly enough when it comes to proven medicines. Today on The Front Page, senior investigative reporter Michael Morrah joins us to discuss his reporting on this issue, before we speak to recently retired South Auckland paediatrician Dr Adrian Trenholme about what he's witnessed on the frontline over nearly five decades. Michael Morrah's story:https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/top-paediatrician-warns-more-babies-will-suffer-as-rsv-drug-still-unapproved/SMDDIY4VDJCOVN6RZDFNF2VBGU/ Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Editor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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The RSV delay exposing NZ’s child health gap

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This episode was published on June 12, 2026.

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A leading paediatrician is warning more New Zealand babies will end up in hospital this winter while a treatment that could prevent many RSV cases remains unavailable. The breakthrough antibody injection is already being used in countries like...

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